Plantar fasciitis is classically associated with which symptom?

Plantar fasciitis is classically associated with which symptom?

• A. Severe knee instability
• B. Heel pain that improves with walking
• C. Pain radiating up the leg with hip flexion
• D. Gradual inferior heel pain with first steps in the morning and point tenderness on the plantar surface

Answer: (D)

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia at its calcaneal origin. The hallmark symptom is gradual inferior heel pain that is worst with the first steps after a period of rest, such as in the morning, with focal tenderness on the plantar surface near the heel. This pattern reflects the fascia being stretched after rest and bearing weight, causing sharp pain initially. The other options describe symptoms more consistent with different problems—knee instability points to knee joint issues; pain that improves with walking is not typical for plantar fascia inflammation; and pain radiating up the leg with hip flexion suggests radiculopathy or sciatica rather than plantar fascia involvement.

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia at its calcaneal origin. The hallmark symptom is gradual inferior heel pain that is worst with the first steps after a period of rest, such as in the morning, with focal tenderness on the plantar surface near the heel. This pattern reflects the fascia being stretched after rest and bearing weight, causing sharp pain initially. The other options describe symptoms more consistent with different problems—knee instability points to knee joint issues; pain that improves with walking is not typical for plantar fascia inflammation; and pain radiating up the leg with hip flexion suggests radiculopathy or sciatica rather than plantar fascia involvement.